1 of 58! This Ultra Rare 1974 Pontiac SD 455 Formula Firebird is The Last Real Muscle Car
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- Опубліковано 28 бер 2021
- While there's always room for debate, many car experts and historians put the Muscle Car era between 1964 and 1974 - ushered in with the 1964 Pontiac GTO, and ushered out with the last of the 1974 Pontiac Firebird SD 455 cars. This was a car that really shouldn't have existed - global forces and political pressures had conspired to bring an end to the horsepower race of the 1960s, and most makers were toning down their engines, bolting on emissions and safety controls, and bidding farewell to unfettered performance.
Only Pontiac would hold on - and not because of their top brass, which was devoid of car guys in 73-74, replaced by corporate types looking to keep the boat steady. Joh Z Delorean had moved on.
But some engineers at Pontiac kept the candle burning later than everyone else - they put to work the lessons learned in supporting factory and independent teams in the SCCA Trans-Am racing series, and created an engine that could produce gobs of horsepower while holding together beautifully - the SD (Super Duty) 455.
'
Forces did conspire to keep this engine rare, however - only 1296 were made across 1973-1974, with only 58 Formulas (like the one in the video) made in 1974. This is an incredibly rare number for a GM product.
Whether you agree that the SD cars were the last muscle cars, it is indisputable that this was a very special engine and very special cars - once 1975 hit, it was pretty much over for the horsepower wars, and they would not start up again until almost a decade later.
Full review and test drive of this 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD 455 by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle is part of a private collection, and not for sale at this time. - Авто та транспорт
Please never stop doing these. Many days, it is literally the only happiness I experience. God bless you brother.
Same here hoss. The other day I had the worst day ever and was literally praying that Bill put out a video and he did. It was the only thing that cheered me up and made the day ultimately wind up being ok.
@@fitfogey Ditto!
:(
I agree with you.
@@fitfogey I agree with you.
I'm just gonna keep replaying that second-gear chirp over-and-over-and-over again .... best memories ever.
Rockford FIles turned me on to the Firebird, love that car and that Show.
Gotta love the "honeycomb" style wheels. So much interesting information as well. Pretty car!
What????pretty you said ???
@@ateebali7371 its a darling doll of a car . . :o)
I had a '73 brewster green trans-am. It wasn't a SD however, it was equipped with the standard 455. I really regret selling that car 😞.
So...
My Dad bought a new Trans AM in 76. That pocket under the radio housed the factory 8 track player.
Good timing Bill just poured myself a large Jim Beam, hope you've had a good weekend.
I don’t have any whiskey, but I’ll burn a Marlboro.
I just learned how to adjust my rear end ratio! His videos are so informative!
@@mikeskipworth856 love my Marlboro cigarettes 👍
Gotta have that Corona whiskey!
Jack Daniels in the house
I always think back to when I was a kid and our neighbor got a early 70s T/A when he turned 16. He peeled out literally every time he left the driveway, which I loved and my parents hated. After only a couple months one morning we saw it parked across the road with the perfect imprint of a pole in the back quarter.
Long long time ago😈😈😂😂😂
Can't get enough of Bill and his reviews. So much more knowledgeable than some other youtube channels, and doesn't speak over stupid music or something.
I like how he also puts a bit of the culture going on at the time around the car, and a bit of sarcasm always welcome with that culture 11:31.
Pontiac done a fantastic job integrating those bumpers..in my opinion, the 74s and 75s were both great looking cars. This is an incredible car. Your friend has an amazing collection.
Indeed. They did way better than Chevy with the Camaros those years.
Yeah especially when you compare to the Camaro, where they just ibstalled a slab of steel in front with close to zero integration with the rest of the design.
Growing up when the 2gen fbodys were new. I always preferred the Formula trim over the Trans Am.
This car really POPS.
color, honey comb wheels, SD..
Who ever speced that car had great taste!
I did drive the 74 firebird 350, trans am 400 and firebird formula 400 in the 70s. They were wonderful machines at that times. I did not had the chance the drive the trans am 455.
I've never heard about the Indian war of 74...learn something new everyday...I had a 74 442 with a 350rocket..it wouldn't hang with a SD...
In '73 and '74 there were still a couple of powerful cars for sale, the 455 SD was the top of the heap for sure but, not the only game in town yet. The 351C 4 speed was available in Mustang, Cougar and Gran Torino with 245-255hp, Hurst/Olds 455 250-270hp, the Buick 455 stg1 270hp, the Corvette and Chevelle/Laguna S3 454 245-270hp and a few hold over Mopars with the E58 360 245hp, E68 400 260hp and E86 440 285hp. None of them could touch the Pontiac but they were out there and could all be readily modified.
When you leaned over to open the window ... the memories 😂
I had genuinely forgotten I had to do that.
Turns on radio. "Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin comes on. "Nothing I want to hear"... drives off in 1974 Firebird. Oh dear. Not too chipper here from the back seat, Bill.
Play the Rockford Files theme
Yeah, I really thought he would fine tune Ramble On.
He had Rush playing on the radio in one of his videos and didn't even point it out :( lol
@@clintonflynn815 I remember that Classic TV show with James Garner as Jim Rockford. He drove around the streets of Los Angeles in a gold color Firebird Esprit
@@theschof96 should have played The Rockford Files theme.
Last time I was this early, Bill still had background music going.
Ah yes, that strumming, earth tone background music. I think that was a CD of house music given to Bill, for being the #1 customer at the Naples asian massage parlor. 🤗
I loved that music I’ll never forget it haha. So chill and relaxing , hearing that melody and then Bill’s raspy voice saying “GOOD morning” a few moments later, like honey poured over gravel, and then, another CLK...
This is the nicest Firebird I think I've seen. Back in the h.s. days I was always drooling over the '78 TransAm w/ the 6.6 on the scoop.
Great car! Great video! Discontinuing the Pontiac Division was absolutely criminal!!
Could not be more excited about this one. Absolutely love firebirds. My favorite of all the muscle cars
Had no idea that was an amazing year for movies. Wow!
Wished Bill did a walk around with engine running. Would’ve loved to hear that SD455 exhaust.
He does it in some of his reviews but not others for some reason 😔
Omg, I think this is the first time bill hasn't complained about the god-awful windshield work. I never thought I'd see the day.
Dalton lol
It wasn't Dalton. Dalton worst jobs don't match that one
No the 70;
Blue and white spricel
No the blue and white spricel
All those gauges are aftermarket. The three of those gauges to the right were where the ac vents were. The two to the left were factory gauges but they look replaced to match the rest.
Shut up 🤡
Don't forget that this is a non-gauge package and non-AC car. So the area of the dash to the right of the speedometer had nothing there, so was a blank canvas for a previous owner to add those 5 aftermarket gauges.
"The Canadians can have a 70s Marijuana Tryst in the back seat".....LOVE IT...Laughed my Ass Off. Bill you are now my Prozac, I cannot get through a day without your videos. Keep them coming..... :) :)
I would of been very chipper in the back seat of this beauty
This car is outstanding. Love it! The way this car is sitting it looks to have one beefy suspension underneath. Those honeycomb wheels are so cool.
Absolutely bad ass second gear chirp, an the foe barrel sound , I just got the feeling all ova again
Zep "Ramble On" - Oh Man - perfect song from that era and you shut it OFF ! :(
Back around 2006 I was at a car show in McHenry County Illinois and encountered a 74 yellow sd-455 Formula with the shaker scoop and side accent stripe. It was a real X code car but had a column shift automatic and no tachometer.
Awesome review! I, like you had a late year muscle car...'72 Ford Grand Torino sport! What a great spin around the return to our youth.
This car was so beautiful. When James Garner drove a similar one in The Rockford Files, I was an instant fan of the show!
OMG Posh Spice! You never cease to surprise me Bill! Much love!
it takes a great deal of talent to talk non stop for any length of time on any subject - and stay interesting! Wow this guy is astounding!
Bill l'd love to see a video where you talk about all the cars you've owned. Bet you got some cool stories to tell!
That would be sweet! Maybe do a live stream QandA and talk about his best and worst car.
Live Q&A would be awesome!
Being as Bill is an actual car dealer, I would imagine that he has owned quite a few interesting cars.
Just kidding; this is a really good idea
I love the long reviews with the history of any of the cars.
Wouldn’t be my first choice color-wise, but I love these SD-455’s... this is a monster motor, and I like the styling of the earlier second gens such as this much more than the later ones.
Also, you had Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” come in in the radio, and there was nothing you wanted to listen to?! That was PERFECT for the era this car came from!
Bill makes me laugh while showing off a beautiful car (s) I love when he talks about the goats and in this video "the woodpeckers can pick right in your brain " 🤣
Bill, man was this a fun one to watch your review on. What a beauty. Thanks!!
My friend in HS had one. He let me drive it on my first date. I stood up the date and drove this car until midnight.
Thanks Bill! You listened! I love hearing those secondaries open up! Music to my ears. Please keep it up 😃
Awesome car and video. Love the Nixon reference. The only difference between him and other politicians is that he got caught.
Also Nixon was more competent than most of today's politicians.
Thank you for this one, Bill! Really made my day. I recently referred your channel to one of my friends. I know they will never be disappointed here. 👍🏻😁
Hi Bill, I bought a 1974 SD 455 dark blue, I forget the official name of the color. Auto on the column as you mentioned, white int, baby blue rug and dash no flying chicken. Had Hosmer Pontiac Medford ma. Put in a am,fm radio for 50 bucks. No air. 4,850, total. 120 a month 3 years. That was alot then. Car sat at dealer for 6, months, gas crisis. Story was some guy ordered it, but took too long to come in, he went down the street and bought a 442. I was 20, years old. Took it home in pouring rain a day in April playing Band on the run. Next day showed my uncle. Somethings wrong, put it in R, whole car shaker shook. Put it in D, worse. We thought motor mounts were loose from factory. Took it back to service department. Guy jumps out from his desk. Says your the one who bought this, what's wrong. I showed him. He said "kid you bought a monster, that's the tourk." I was embarrassed. He said don't worry not too many people know about this.
Admiralty Blue!
Bill I really love the new longer videos. Very educational, and still very funny!🤣
We've watched several of your commentaries Bill, really enjoy your vids.
Factual, mixed with whimsical memories of the day. Your candor, sense of humor, delivery and voice resonance reminds us of one of our favorite FM radio DJ from days gone by, before they got "programmed".
Love your work bill. I always tune in when I need a boost for the day
73-74 SD Formulas received Trans Am shaker hoods because they ran out of time to have the ram air hood EPA noise certified.
... just scrolleddown n found your statement - after i posted about the incorrect hood.
never knew that one. I'd rather have the fiberglas Formula hood on it thou.
Canary yellow firebird. Sweet ride Bill!! Takin a spin in my dreams.
Met a guy at a car was who commented on my 1976 400 T/A. His was white and blue. He was happy that he just left FSU and was going to play Football in Canada. Stayed in contact as he kept the car all the way to the WWF/WWE. Ron Simmons. Kept mine for over twenty years with 595,00 miles on it.
Wow you met Ron Simmons. That’s awesome. Always heard he was a nice guy.
The best car channel ever Bill man you are a school with all the informations you’re giving thanks Bill...AHMED FROM BAGHDAD IRAQ
Cheers to all the 70's Birds! Some of the coolest looking coupes of all time🍻.
Cars like this really take me back to my youth. They really built exciting cars and built them right. Man, it's videos like this that make me wanna come back and watch everything Bill throws in front of the lens. Thanks again man...
These were the last of the Greatest ERA of Muscle cars from the Factory, underrated at 290hp in 73-74 by PMD. also rated at net beginning in 72 by Federal mandate, NHRA rated them at about 370 or so. Pontiac's best flowing heads I believe.
Nice to see one of these without the "screaming chicken" plastered on the hood. I'm actually a Ford guy but this bird's really sweet. No need for a radio with that awesome sound coming from that engine.
But We like our chicken down here. Mustang lickin good.😁👍
Couldn't get a bird on a Formula.
@@superduty4556 So tru
@@superduty4556 ... thats a T/A hood on a Formula - why if so '''rare''' (lol)
... the term used that started back in 68 was 'thunder chicken'
If only James Gardner a.k.a. Jim Rockford was still alive to see it. He probably would've bought it!
Who cares
That was a 225-hp Esprit
@First name Last name
I think he actually bought one of the 58 1974 special order cars Bill refers to here, Garner even owned a SCCA racing team in the mid-late 70s!
@@solidbreed9767 buzz off troll
Great video, Bill, I love your work, and your passion really comes through, especially in a car like the legendary 455 SD Super Duty. Many people don't realize that unlike the standard 455, an engine that you could get on the Pontiac Safari station wagon, the 455 SD was a full on racing engine. I was too young for that one, but I did have a 1979 TRANS AM with the 6.6 Litre, which was actually an Oldsmobile engine, the 403. The 400 Pontiac T/A engine was reserved for the 4 speed manual for some reason.. Mine was that bright electric blue metallic color with the turned dash, and had other civilizing options such as delay cycle windshield wiper, electric windows and door locks, T-tops, tilt steering wheel and cruise control. Mine also had the WS-6 package, which included 60s all around and four wheel disc brakes and some other odds and ends. What a great great car that was, and what great times those were.
That chirp tho’ 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you for sharing this video and this car! I love the wheels, color and no A/C and no hood decal "screaming chicken". Also the interior is very nice = love the pleat pattern on the seats and what looks like custom installation of the Stewart- Warner small gauges = very tasteful. Just a great car by Pontiac and really rare!
You opened the door and I swear I could smell the interior of my 69 nova.
Your commentary is amazing, thanks for the walk down memory lane.✌
Beautiful car my first car was a 74 firebird 350 3sp. The gauges on the rt are not original. 75 was the last good quality year for f bodies. The doors didnt sag and the door handles were solid. I had a 77 bandit T.A. and like your 79 everything sagged and broke. I also had a 75 T.A. 455 ho 4sp. And a 69 GTO JUDGE RA3 4SP. All I have now are the memories. Loved those cars.
Thank you for the video of this amazing car- i am 55 and was in high school in the 80s and these kind of cars were still on the road in large numbers- but many guys unfortunately wrecked some beautiful cars- luckily i never wrecked my 77 cougar - it only had a 302 but it was silky smooth and was very comfortable - i miss the good old days
I played that tire chirp 3 times. Good 'shit' !
Bill, absolutely love your channel. Looking forward to many more reviews. Especially super rare cars like this and not just ones for sale. Keep up the great videos.
Love the videos. Its nice to know what kind of guns will fit in various vehicles. That cracks me up.
Best car review/Pontiac history video I've ever seen. Had an '81 Corvette my junior and senior years in high school (and for 16 more years afterwards). But wanted a Firebird Formula or Trans Am. Thanks for making this fantastic video. I laughed out loud several times and I can really appreciate your enthusiasm as you went (drove) down memory lane. '70-'73 and '79s are my favorite years for Pontiac Firebird Formulas and Trans Ams. This '74 is a definite classic in every sense of the word. ☮
Ditto on that "shaker." Look- It's Alive!! And, yeah, the sounds of that 455 take me back to my teen years and driving my mom's Electra that had that gorgeous, growly 455-4 in it. I'd always pop the hood and turn the air cleaner cover upside-down (interesting how it just happened to be designed to still seal all around the filter in that configuration, while being otherwise wide open, haha!) to let more of that air in and more of that thunderous sound out, when tearing out through the town with my buddies.
Keep 'em coming, Bill! I'm sure Peter knows how lucky he is- there's not a better or more effective auto sales presentation out there than Curious Cars, and the value you bring to those of us who tune in for both education and entertainment's sake, as well as to distract us for an hour from this downright foolish world and its ridiculous shenanigans, is downright invaluable. A big thank you for that.
Bill, damn you are a good man. There is nothing like these muscle cars of yesteryear.
74 last year of the small back window, last year of no catalyst. I miss my 74 455 HO T/A. Cameo White with Blue interior. That car was a freak of nature. I should have never sold it.
No HO option in 74.
Two words: "Rockford Files."
Jim drove a plain jane firebird
That was a 225-hp Esprit
@@betsyduane3461 no spoiler. Looking pretty sweet.
@@gibsondrummer they were all Firebird Formulas dressed down to look like plain jane ones because James Garner felt like a PI could not afford a Trans Am on their kind of salary
@@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman Back when TV shows actually cared about good writing and attention to detail of course James Garner was more than just an actor, he literally studied the actual business and learned to be a PI.
Hi Bill love the car's you share with us.
I'm waiting for a 77 Cutlass Supreme Brome. I loved that car. It was my high school ride. Class of 86!!!
Great vehicle reviews, and great anecdotes. Keep them coming! As a not-so-young-anymore person myself, the anecdotes spark lots of memories for me.
Bill the tire chirp speaks volumes , a time when cars were real cars. Thanks for great videos.
That floormat brings back memories of being a little kid in the mid 70's. Kicked a lot of those.
BIll, in 1974 you could also still get a Buick GS455 Stage 1. Yes it was heavy, and will not be nearly as fast at an SD455, but none the less, I would consider a Musclecar.
There was soooo much info in this review Bill , that my head is going to explode !
Really enjoyed that. Thank you. I like the photo overlays. Nice addition the the video.
Excellent video, been a Pontiac fan forever. Currently working on a 1975 Firebird Esprit, with a 1973 front clip and ram air hood. Equipped with a bored 1972 455 HO, M-21 four speed. I love Pontiacs, unique machines and these engines are torque monsters.
The Formula here is just badass. Beautiful, it's cool to see clean examples of these cars. Really enjoy your work. 👍👍🏁🏁
Another Amazing video, Bill!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU ❤️
Awesome review as always! Brought back some great memories as I graduated high school in 1979. Friends of mine that were twins had a 74 4spd 455 SD Trans Am in red. I loved the sound and look of that car. I had a 67 GTO which was a fun car but it wasn’t an SD Trans Am. That Formula is gorgeous and truly a rare bird. Love the chirp in second!
The SD 455 was so special it created an internal problem of the engine supply of the SD 455. Pontiac had a supply problem of the Forged rods that they had to limit, because they had an internal problem of the workers stealing the forged connecting rods.
Awesome!! You presented this Poncho in the best way possible my friend! well done. Cheers from a Canadian Pontiac fan.
Dude!! You killed Zepplin!! But you do a fine job of "Ramblin' on..." lol! Great stuff my man! From gory woodpeckers to old school nerdy EGR cheat codes! And that tire chirp cherry on top!! Cheers!
Bill only likes George Jones
There are about five to ten Zepplin songs I don't need to hear anymore, and they are all of the ones which crappy corporate radio plays incessantly.
Awesome Bill. Keep up the good work. I always wanted one of these!!
Thanks Bill we really enjoyed watching that , we was doing something similar today in our slk’s 350-230k.
From Perth Western Australia!
Had a friend in the 80s who had one of these- 74 yellow 455SD Formula. Who knows, could be the same car! he drag raced it regularly and drove it on the street. He let me drive it once. He did not order it, he told me there were several on the dealer lot at the end of the 74 model year. super nice car
Nice, extremely rare & brutally fast...👍🏁
Being a 74 myself this is one of my dream cars 💛🇦🇺
Very nice rare super duty firebird you can obviously see the 5mph regulation bumper very beautiful hidden jem
Love the 'Fun Facts" that you provide.....Never knew about the lower gears causing belt issues or why they closed off the shaker scoop..Keep up the great work!!
Had the same red 79 Formula as you. Fun times! Drove it from 79 to 92.
Hi Bill, new to your channel and love the video’s. My wife and I had a red 74 SD 455 and it was one of the best cars we ever owned. We also owned two 65 gto’s before the TA. My wife’s father purchased one of the 1st 67 Ram Air 400 convertible firebirds. That thing would rip the pavement up. Pontiac was the coolest, baddest car company. Thanks for the memories!
Thanks for sharing this amazing car! My first real exposure to Firebirds was as a 12 year old in '73. I saw a white/blue '73 Trans Am at an intersection and was hooked. John Wayne's Brewster Green McQ movie Trans Am also made an impression. I finally bought a white/blue '73 4-speed Trans Am in '99 and repainted it Brewster Green. In '05 Hurricane Katrina took it. I bought a '79 Smokey & the Bandit car and kept that for 12 years. I would love to have a '68 400 convertible with the hood tach. In my high school days my friend's brother had a real deal 4-speed '74 SD TA which I got to drive. That memory is a tattoo/scar on my brain.
Very cool SD Formula !
All those small gauges to the right of the speedometer are aftermarket added by someone. Definitely not from GM
Had a 76 T/A made the same sound love the tire chirp 🐤
Had no idea that they ever put the SD 455 in a formula. Incredible car, and awesome commentary as always.
Wonderful. Also my younger wilder days. Had, at the same time, a 74 Formula firebird with a legit twin snorkel hood and a SD455 bored 60 over Trans AM with legit shaker. I hate I ever let them go.Thanks for the blast from the past.
Love these videos! I've really learned so much information about these classic cars. I've got models of most of them because I cant afford the real cars but I can still dream! Keep up the great work Bill! Love your sense of humor and your personality. Will always watch these! Peace brother!
This is gonna be good 👍
Wow what a find. Yes a very rear car indeed. Awesome video. Owned a ‘71 Esprite and a ‘77 T/A loved both and still a Pontiac fan at 68😊
Awesome car and awesome review. Thanks, Bill.
Really enjoy your content, took a minute to get your style of delivery and your cultural remarks are spot on. Thanks for sharing.